Ship's Log - Day 5 - Panama

Up before sunrise to watch the approach to the Panama Canal, named one of the manmade wonders of the world.  When I went out on our balcony, the sun hadn't yet risen and I saw a sea of lights on the water...which turned out to be many, many ships awaiting their turn to enter the Aqua Clara Locks.  I didn't expect to be quite as overwhelmed by the Panama Canal as I am - it is truly an engineering marvel and something that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.  

It took several hours to transit the three locks from the Atlantic Ocean to Gatun Lake.  Once on the Lake, those of us who'd booked excursions were taken ashore via ship's tenders.  Hubs and I enjoyed an hour-long visit to the Panama Canal Museum which also allowed us to watch a huge container ship transiting the locks outbound to the Atlantic.  Just amazing.

From there, we took a hike in the rain forest, with our guide who was quite knowledgeable about flora.  Then, out onto Gatun Lake for a look at nature. The very first thing we saw was this incredibly adorable Three-toed Sloth, just hanging out on a tree at the edge of the Lake.  From there, we saw an array of birds, the highlights being a pair of Toucans and a Tiger Heron with a freshly caught snake  enormous earthworm (unable to upload to Extra - but will try again later).  We also saw Howler and white-faced spider monkeys.  It was everything I could have hoped for.  And, in spite of a gimpy, swollen wrist, I wielded the D750 to get some photos I'm proud of.  

We finally made it back on board the Princess at 7:45, making for a very long day.  Quick showers (it's quite warm in the rain forest), some ice for my knee and wrist then off to dinner and some wine.

We have hired a private guide tomorrow in Limon, Costa Rica.  I'll definitely be taking the D750. This will be our last excursion for this cruise although we may disembark on Cayman Island for a walk around town.  

And now, off to bed...

xo
Debbi